Earlier today, the former Governor of California revealed that he had fathered a child around ten years ago with a member of his household staff, and confirmed that this revelation is what had caused the couple's recent separation.

"This is a painful and heartbreaking time," Shriver said in a statement.

"As a mother, my concern is for the children," she explained. "I ask for compassion, respect and privacy as my children and I try to rebuild our lives and heal."